Knob Creek Bourbon x Rye Review

BOTTLE DETAILS

• DISTILLER: Knob Creek Distilling Co. (a.k.a. James B. Beam Distilling Co.)
• MASH BILL: Not disclosed, but a blend of bourbon and rye mash bills
• AGE: A blend of Knob Creek 9-year-old bourbon and Knob Creek 7-year-old rye
• YEAR: 2024
• PROOF: 113 (56.5% ABV)
• MSRP: $49.99
• BUY ONLINE: The brand does not offer online purchasing in many states. However, it is a nationwide release, so you'll likely find it easily at retail.

STEVE'S NOTES

SHARE WITH: American whiskey lovers, especially those not yet into rye whiskey.

WORTH THE PRICE: Yes, definitely.

BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: Bar, but a great pour you'll want when you see it.

OVERALL: As a fan of both Knob Creek Bourbon and Knob Creek Rye, this was a layup for me. When I read that this blend would be released, I wondered aloud why I hadn't done a split-based old-fashioned with those liquids at home. Big miss by Captain Obvious, of course.

Since I prefer rye bourbon to wheat bourbon, I was excited to taste a high dose of rye in a single pour. On the nose, it's all classic KB bourbon: deep caramel, cooked stone fruits, citrus, oak and spice. Weightier notes like browned butter and pastry dough emerge slowly, but overall, nothing new, nothing surprising, but everything fans of this brand like.

On the palate, the tables turn: Rye takes over with loads of bright spice, flamed citrus and even a little mint. A second sip delivers more complexity and depth from long-rests in oak. Though tannin is aboard, it doesn't pitch the whole onto a bitter or dry list. It's pleasant, warm, nutty and offers up some ground nutmeg.

Drinkers today see too many attempts by distilleries to create gimmicks that drive sales but don't incentivize anyone to buy a second bottle. American whiskey consumers want this kind of innovation: something unique but not too far from the norm and affordable enough to make a great daily drinker or a "Thanks for inviting me" gift when they attend an upcoming football party.

Yum, yum, go get ya some!

BRAND NOTES

Knob Creek Bourbon x Rye is a masterful blend that brings together the richness of brown sweets and a hint of fruitiness and black pepper, with a sweet lingering spice finish that will leave you wanting more. This high-quality, flavorful whiskey is a testament to our dedication to deliver exceptional whiskey to enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

• Color: Golden brown with copper hues, reminiscent of autumn leaves and evening sunlight.
• Aroma: Enticing sweetness of maple syrup and vanilla, joined by hints of nuttiness and baking spices, such as cinnamon and nutmeg.
• Taste: Rich and comforting sweetness of brown sweets, like caramel and toffee, complemented by a delicate hint of fruitiness for added complexity.
• Finish: Gentle heat of black pepper, adding a touch of lingering spice.

Disclaimer: Bourbon & Banter received a sample of this product from the brand for review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.